Gary Russell Jr.’s WBC Mandatory Challenger Determined For 2021

Gary Russell Jr. has a mandatory challenger for his WBC Featherweight Championship.

Russell has reigned as the WBC 126-pound titleholder since 2015. He’s had five successful title defenses. In his last outing, Russell defeated Tugstsogt Nyambayar via unanimous decision.

It appears we now know what’s next for Russell. During an interview with Behind The Gloves, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that former WBC Super-Bantamweight Champion Rey Vargas is the mandatory contender.

“He’s now in a mandatory stage. We have ordered Rey Vargas, who is the former super-bantamweight champion. He was champion in recess and he’s moving up in weight and has exercised his option to become mandatory contender in the new division. So, we have ordered Rey Vargas to fight Gary Russell and the negotiations have begun.”

Vargas is undefeated in his pro boxing career. His record stands at a perfect 34-0. His last outing took place back in July 2019. He successfully defended the WBC Super-Bantamweight gold against Tomoki Kameda, earning the unanimous decision win.

As of late, Russell hasn’t been shy in calling out big names. He has ripped the likes of Terence Crawford, Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Leo Santa Cruz. If he doesn’t decide to move up in weight, however, then he’ll have to focus on Vargas.